England’s RWC preparations thrown into further disarray after Vunipola’s red card

England’s Rugby World Cup preparations were thrown into further disarray after number 8 Billy Vunipola was red-carded for a dangerous tackle in their 29-10 defeat to Ireland over the weekend.

Vunipola was yellow-carded for making contact with the head of Ireland’s Andrew Porter which was later upgraded to red.

Amid the ongoing disciplinary saga of their captain Owen Farrell, Vunipola’s red card is likely to have him miss the start of the RWC tournament in France.

Vunipola’s premature departure compounded a meek display and he will now join Saracens team-mate Farrell in facing a disciplinary panel with England’s World Cup opener against Argentina on September 9 fast approaching.

England will host the Fiji Water Flying Fijians at Twickenham Stadium at 2.15am this Sunday for their last warm-up match before the RWC in France.